Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is done by combining remedies, eating disorders and decreasing stress levels that are directed by the gastroenterologist to relieve the symptoms of the affected person.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a change in bowel functioning, which causes symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and the presence of mucus in the stool. Check out what it is and how to know if you have this syndrome.
There is no single formula to treat this syndrome, so the best form of treatment is doctor-oriented depending on the types and intensity of symptoms in each person:
1. Treatment with diet
Usually, treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is initiated naturally, that is, by making changes in diet such as:
- Make regular meals and at certain times, such as every 3 hours, for example;
- Avoid alcoholic beverages or stimulant drinks, such as coffee and energy drinks;
- Avoid foods with too much fat or sugar, such as butter, cheese, sausage, cakes or crackers;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day;
- Prefer to eat white meat and vegetables;
- Give preference to cooked, grilled or sauteed foods;
- Adopt a FODMAP diet, which consists of withdrawing foods that are poorly absorbed and undergo fermentation through the intestinal flora, causing worsening irritable bowel symptoms such as carrot, beet, apple, mango, pasta and honey. Learn how to make the FODMAP diet.
In addition, some patients may also have to exclude other foods such as milk and food derivatives if there is any type of intolerance and the symptoms worsen or develop after their ingestion.
Watch a video of our nutritionist explaining what to eat and what to avoid in the diet for irritable bowel syndrome:
2. Medication treatment
Medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome are advised primarily during periods of worsening of symptoms as a way to relieve them. Thus, depending on the symptoms presented, your doctor may prescribe:
- Anti-spasmodic medications, such as hyoscine or scopolamine, to reduce abdominal pain and discomfort, especially after eating;
- Antidiarrheal remedies, such as Loperamide, to prevent or relieve the onset of diarrhea;
- Laxatives, such as Lactulose or Magnesium Sulphate, in cases of constipation to stimulate bowel function;
- Antidepressants or anxiolytics, such as Sertraline, Amitriptyline or Lorazepam, may be indicated if the symptoms of the syndrome are associated with depression or anxiety
Some patients may still develop symptoms due to the excessive development of bacteria in the intestine and so the doctor may try using antibiotics like Neomycin or Metronidazole, for example, for a short time to try to reduce the amount of bacteria inside the intestine, relieving the symptoms.
Probiotics can also help regulate the intestinal flora, and in addition, several other medications have also been tested and developed for the relief of symptoms and combat of this disorder.
3. Psychotherapy
Psychological symptoms are present in most patients with irritable bowel syndrome, so psychological therapy is an important form of treatment.
It can be done in the form of traditional psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, in which the psychologist helps to identify the psychological issues that influence the onset of symptoms, and encourages the patient to adapt the response of the organism.
4. Alternative Treatment Options
In addition to the medications recommended by the doctor and changes in diet, some alternative therapies can help to complete the treatment, mainly as a way to reduce stress, which is a great trigger of the symptoms of the disease.
These include meditation, relaxation, reflexology and acupuncture therapies. In addition, the use of some medicinal herbs, such as peppermint, help reduce abdominal cramps due to its natural antispasmodic power. However, the use of these therapies should not replace the advice of the physician.
See also some home remedy suggestions to relieve the symptoms.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement of irritable bowel syndrome are reestablishment of intestinal transit and reduction of discomfort and abdominal pain after eating, for example.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening irritable bowel syndrome are more frequent when treatment is not done properly, when stress periods worsen, or foods that aggravate symptoms are not avoided, producing diarrhea, constipation, excessive tiredness, or dehydration, for example.
